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Patterns of cloth made and wore [i.e. worn] by natives of the South Sea Islands [manuscript] : being part of the collection made by the celebrated circumnavigator Captain James Cook in his first, second and third voyages, 1768-1774
Bib ID 1123278
Format ManuscriptManuscript, OnlineOnline
Online Versions
Access Conditions Available for research. Not for loan. 
Description [1768-1774] 
0.15 m. (1 v.) 
Series

Rex Nan Kivell Collection ; NK10696.

Summary

MS 4299G comprises of 70 cloth samples of tapa, collected by Captain James Cook in his first, second and third voyages, pasted in a book titled "Patterns of South Sea cloth". The samples were collected from the Friendly Islands (Tonga), Sandwich Islands, Otaheite (Tahiti), Society Islands (French Polynesia) and New Amsterdam. Each sample measures approximately 5.0 x 9.8 cm., or less. The book, measuring 23 cm., includes a list corresponding to the samples, with explanations including place of origin, some detail of methods of manufacture, likely wearers and uses of the various cloth types (1 v.).

Biography/History

Bark cloth, or tapa, was traditionally produced throughout the islands of the South Pacific from the bark of trees such as the paper mulberry or breadfruit tree. Cloth was produced in distinctive artistic and cultural styles for both functional and ceremonial purposes.

Notes

Manuscript reference no.: MS 4299G.

"Tapa cloth specimens from Cook's voyages"--Protective cover.

Rex Nan Kivell Collection NK10696.

Object number A40007308.

MS 4299G (NK 10696) copy also available online http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-223864929

Subjects Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Archives.  |  Textile fabrics -- Oceania.  |  Tapa -- Oceania.  |  Decoration and ornament -- Oceania.  |  Oceania -- Social life and customs.
Time Coverage 1768-1774 
Occupation Explorers.
Other authors/contributors Cook, James, 1728-1779
Also Titled

Patterns of South Sea cloth

Exhibited Exhibited: "Treasures Gallery", National Library of Australia, 7 October 2011 - 15 December 2012.  Exhibited: "Cook and Omai: The Cult of the South Seas", National Library of Australia, 2001. 

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Details Collect From
MS 4299G
Copy: Nan Kivell collection (hbk)
Note: A40007308
Special Collections Reading Room - Conditions apply
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Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other First Nations people are advised that this catalogue contains names, recordings and images of deceased people and other content that may be culturally sensitive. Please also be aware that you may see certain words or descriptions in this catalogue which reflect the author’s attitude or that of the period in which the item was created and may now be considered offensive.